Shaolin Wushu Methods A. Hard or External Styles 1. Stresses training and strengthening of the joints, bones, and muscles 2. Requires rigorous body conditioning 3. Consists of positioning and movement of the limbs and body, correct technique, muscular strength, speed, etc. B. Soft or Internal Styles 1. Stresses development of internal organs where "Qi" is produced 2. Allows one to develop mental capability to call upon this "Qi" 3. Concerned with breathing, poise, and tone of the core body structures C. Long or Northern Styles 1. Stresses Flexibility, quickness, agility, and balance similar to the attributes of a trained and well-conditioned gymnast 2. Uses many kicks along with hand techniques 3. Legs specialize in long-range tactics D. Short or Southern 1. Stresses close-range tactics, power, and stability 2. Uses mostly hand techniques Gongfu almost always seems to incorporate forms and routines. They emphasize solo practice as well as group practice. (They even have forms for two or more people). They train in multiple types of weapons. There is also a great emphasis on sparring in the harder styles, and sensitivity training in the soft styles.